The Ultimate Guide to Fun: Things to Do Near Georgia Tech
So you’re at Georgia Tech, one of the top engineering & technology schools in the country. You're hitting the books, acing your exams, & probably spending a LOT of time in the library or your dorm. But here's the thing about being in the heart of Atlanta – there's a whole world of awesome stuff to do right outside your campus doorstep. Seriously, whether you're a freshman looking to explore your new city or a senior trying to check off that Atlanta bucket list before graduation, you're in for a treat.
As someone who's spent a ton of time navigating the ins & outs of this city, I'm here to give you the inside scoop on all the best spots. We're talking everything from sprawling parks & world-class museums to hidden-gem food halls & buzzing nightlife. So, grab a friend, put away the textbooks for a bit, & get ready to discover all the amazing things to do near Georgia Tech.
Outdoor Adventures & Getting Some Fresh Air
Let's be honest, student life can feel a little...indoorsy sometimes. But lucky for you, Atlanta is packed with green spaces perfect for a study break, a weekend hangout, or just a much-needed dose of vitamin D.
Piedmont Park: Atlanta's Backyard
Just a stone's throw from Midtown, Piedmont Park is basically Atlanta's version of Central Park, & it's a MUST-VISIT. This place is huge & has something for everyone. You can go for a run or bike ride on the paved paths, have a picnic on the massive lawn, or just find a shady spot to relax with a book. The park also has sports fields, a public pool, & even a dog park if you’re missing your furry friend back home. Throughout the year, Piedmont Park hosts all sorts of events, from music festivals to farmers markets, so there's always something new to check out.
The Atlanta BeltLine: A City-Wide Trail
One of the coolest things to happen to Atlanta in recent years is the BeltLine. It's this massive outdoor space that connects dozens of neighborhoods with a network of multi-use trails. The Eastside Trail is probably the most popular section, & it's super close to Tech. You can walk, bike, or even scooter your way down the trail, & it's lined with art installations, breweries, & restaurants. It's a fantastic way to see different parts of the city & get some exercise while you're at it.
Centennial Olympic Park: A Piece of History
This park is pretty special because it was built for the 1996 Olympic Games. Now, it's this beautiful green space right in the middle of downtown Atlanta. It's a great place to hang out, throw a frisbee, or just people-watch. The iconic Fountain of Rings is the centerpiece of the park & it's a popular spot for photos. Plus, Centennial Olympic Park is surrounded by some of Atlanta's biggest attractions, like the Georgia Aquarium & the World of Coca-Cola, making it a perfect starting point for a day of exploring.
Atlanta Botanical Garden: A Natural Oasis
If you're a nature lover, you have to check out the Atlanta Botanical Garden. It's located right next to Piedmont Park & it's absolutely stunning. You can wander through different themed gardens, like the Japanese Garden or the Rose Garden, & the Fuqua Orchid Center is just breathtaking. They also have a really cool canopy walk that lets you see the gardens from a totally different perspective. The Botanical Garden also hosts seasonal events, like their famous Garden Lights, Holiday Nights during the winter, which is pure magic.
Museums & Culture Fix
Atlanta has a rich history & a thriving arts scene, & a lot of it is right at your fingertips. Whether you're a history buff, an art aficionado, or just looking for something interesting to do on a rainy day, there are plenty of options near campus.
High Museum of Art: A Feast for the Eyes
Located in the heart of Midtown, the High Museum of Art is one of the leading art museums in the Southeast. Its permanent collection is super diverse, with everything from classic European paintings to contemporary African art. The museum also hosts amazing traveling exhibitions, so there's always something new & exciting to see. On the first Friday of every month, they have "High Frequency Fridays," with live music, drinks, & a really fun, social atmosphere. It's a great way to experience the museum in a different light.
National Center for Civil & Human Rights: A Powerful Experience
This is one of those museums that will really stick with you. The National Center for Civil & Human Rights connects the American Civil Rights Movement to the broader global human rights movement. The exhibits are incredibly powerful & interactive, & they don't shy away from the tough stuff. It's an emotional & eye-opening experience, but it's one that everyone should have. It’s located downtown near Centennial Olympic Park, so it's easy to get to from campus.
The Fox Theatre: A Trip Back in Time
The Fox Theatre is an Atlanta landmark. This place is absolutely stunning, with its lavish, Arabian-Nights-inspired architecture. It originally opened as a movie palace in the 1920s, & now it hosts a huge variety of events, from Broadway shows & concerts to comedy specials & movie screenings. Even if you don't see a show, it's worth taking a tour just to see the incredible interior. It's a truly magical place.
The Breman Jewish Heritage Museum: Stories of Resilience
Another gem in Midtown is The Breman Jewish Heritage Museum. This museum is dedicated to preserving & celebrating the rich history & culture of the Jewish people, with a particular focus on the Jewish experience in Georgia & the South. The exhibits are incredibly well-done & tell powerful stories of immigration, community, & perseverance. It’s a smaller museum, but it packs a big punch.
Entertainment & Nightlife: Let Loose & Have Fun
Okay, let's talk about the fun stuff. When you're ready to take a break from studying & have a good time, Atlanta has you covered. From live music venues to unique entertainment spots, there's no shortage of things to do after the sun goes down.
Atlantic Station: A One-Stop Shop for Fun
Atlantic Station is this massive open-air mall & entertainment district just a short hop from campus. You can catch a movie at the Regal cinema, go bowling, or do some serious shopping. There are also tons of restaurants with outdoor patios, making it a great spot to hang out on a nice evening. During the winter, they even have an ice-skating rink!
Ponce City Market: A Foodie & Shopper's Paradise
Ponce City Market is another one of those places that has a little bit of everything. Housed in a massive, historic Sears, Roebuck & Co. building, it's now home to a Central Food Hall with tons of amazing food stalls, as well as a bunch of cool shops. But the real highlight here is the rooftop. It has an old-school amusement park vibe with mini-golf, carnival games, & some of the best views of the city. It's a SUPER popular spot, especially on weekends, so be prepared for a crowd.
The Interlock & Puttshack: Modern Fun
A newer development on the Westside, The Interlock is quickly becoming a go-to spot for food & entertainment. The highlight for many is Puttshack, a tech-infused mini-golf experience that's way more fun than your average putt-putt course. The balls keep score for you, & the holes are all interactive & super creative. It's a great group activity. The Interlock also has a bunch of great restaurants & a rooftop pool club.
Live Music Venues: Catch a Show
Atlanta has a legendary music scene, & there are some fantastic venues near Georgia Tech. The Tabernacle is a historic church-turned-music-venue that hosts a wide range of popular artists. Terminal West, over on the Westside, is another great spot for indie & alternative bands. And of course, there's the Fox Theatre, which gets some of the biggest names in music. For something a little different, check out Metalsome, a live-band karaoke night at The Ten High in the Virginia-Highlands.
Foodie Adventures: Where to Eat Near Campus
Let's be real, a big part of the college experience is the food. And while campus dining has its moments, Atlanta is a foodie city that you NEED to explore.
Food Halls: A World of Options
I've already mentioned Ponce City Market, but it's worth repeating because the food hall is just that good. You can find everything from gourmet burgers & ramen to Indian street food & Italian gelato. Chattahoochee Food Works is another awesome food hall on the Westside with 31 different vendors. It's a great place to go with a group because everyone can get exactly what they're craving.
Iconic Atlanta Eats: The Must-Trys
There are a few places that are just pure Atlanta, & you have to try them at least once. The Varsity is probably the most famous. It's the world's largest drive-in restaurant, & their chili dogs, onion rings, & Frosted Orange are legendary. It's a bit of a greasy spoon, but it's an experience. For the best burgers in town, head to The Vortex in Midtown. They're known for their massive, creative burgers & their "no-jerks" attitude.
Neighborhood Gems: Exploring the Local Scene
Midtown, the neighborhood Georgia Tech calls home, is packed with great restaurants. Cypress Street Pint & Plate is a popular spot for students, with a great patio & a solid menu of pub grub. If you venture a little further out, the Westside has some of the most exciting food in the city. Check out the restaurants along the Marietta Street corridor for some really unique & delicious options.
On-Campus Buzz: Fun Without Leaving Tech
Sometimes, you don't even need to leave campus to have a good time. Georgia Tech has a ton of stuff going on right in your own backyard.
Yellow Jackets Sports: Show Your School Spirit
One of the best parts of being at a big school like Tech is the sports scene. Cheering on the Yellow Jackets at a football game at Bobby Dodd Stadium or a basketball game at McCamish Pavilion is an essential part of the student experience. The energy is incredible, & it's a great way to show your school pride.
Campus Recreation Center (CRC): Get Active
The CRC is an amazing facility with a huge gym, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a rock-climbing wall, & all sorts of courts for basketball, volleyball, & more. They also offer fitness classes & intramural sports. It's a great place to blow off some steam after a long week of classes.
Student Center & Tech Walkway: The Heart of Campus
The Student Center is always buzzing with activity. You can grab a bite to eat at the food court, catch a movie at the theater, or see what clubs & organizations are up to. Tech Walkway, the main pedestrian thoroughfare on campus, is another hub of activity, especially on weekdays. You'll often find student groups tabling, special events, & even a community market with local vendors.
Getting Around & The Parking Situation
Okay, so we've covered a TON of awesome stuff to do. Now for the practical part: how do you get to all these places? Atlanta is a big city, & while public transportation (MARTA) is an option, having a car can definitely make exploring easier. But let's be real, parking in a city like Atlanta, especially around popular spots in Midtown & Downtown, can be a NIGHTMARE. It's expensive, hard to find, & just generally stressful.
This is where knowing about a service like Prked can be a total game-changer. Here's the thing: a lot of people have empty driveways or garage spaces that they're not using. Prked is this pretty cool platform that connects people who need parking with homeowners who have those extra spaces. So, instead of circling the block for 20 minutes looking for an overpriced parking garage, you can book a convenient & affordable spot in someone's driveway right near where you want to go. It's a lifesaver for a day trip to Ponce City Market or a night out in Midtown. It just takes a lot of the hassle out of exploring the city.
And on a related note, if you find yourself with a bunch of stuff you don't have room for in your dorm or apartment (think bikes, seasonal clothes, or even furniture for your summer sublet), Prked can also help with storage. You can rent out space in someone's garage, attic, or basement. It's way more convenient & often cheaper than a traditional storage unit. Just a little pro-tip for making city living a bit easier.
So there you have it! A pretty massive guide to all the amazing things to do near Georgia Tech. I hope this was helpful & that it inspires you to get out there & explore this incredible city. From the beautiful parks & world-class museums to the killer food scene & buzzing nightlife, there's truly something for everyone in Atlanta.
Let me know what you think – what are some of your favorite spots? Did I miss any hidden gems? Drop a comment below
